Nigeria records 268 deaths, 1,138 confirmed Lassa fever cases in 2026 – NCDC

Nigeria has reported 1,138 confirmed cases of Lassa fever and 268 deaths across 24 states and 119 local government areas as of epidemiological week 40 of 2026, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

The NCDC’s recent situation report, which covers the period from September 28 to October 4, indicates that the case fatality rate has risen to 23.6 percent, up from 18.6 percent during the same period last year.

Most of the confirmed cases have been concentrated in five states: Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo, and Benue, which together account for 88 percent of the total. Notably, Ondo state has reported the highest share at 36 percent. This week, three new cases and one death were documented.

The NCDC stated, “Three new confirmed cases were recorded in week 40, representing a decline from the 13 cases reported in the preceding week.”

The agency noted that the high fatality rate is attributed to several factors, including delayed presentation at health facilities, the high cost of treatment, insufficient health-seeking behaviors, and inadequate environmental sanitation. Additionally, it reported that a total of 54 healthcare workers have contracted the virus in 2026.

In response to the ongoing outbreak, the NCDC has intensified efforts in surveillance, contact tracing, the protection of healthcare workers, community engagement, and infection prevention measures.

The agency has urged healthcare professionals to maintain a high level of suspicion for Lassa fever, ensure timely referral and treatment of suspected cases, and adhere strictly to infection prevention and control protocols.

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